Liver cells are in contact with the blood and exchange a variety of substances with the blood plasma (the noncellular part of blood). The concentration of water is equal in the cytoplasm of liver cells and in the blood plasma. Explain this observation in terms of membrane permeability and transport mechanisms. Animal cells typically maintain a higher concentration of Na+ outside the cell and a higher concentration of K+ inside the cell via the Na+-K+ pump. The drug ouabain inhibits the activity of the Na+-K+ pump. A nerve cell is incubated in ouabain. Predict what will happen to the concentrations of Na+ and K+ inside and outside the nerve cell as a result.

Liver cells are in contact with the blood and exchange a variety of substances with the blood plasma (the noncellular part of blood). The concentration of water is equal in the cytoplasm of liver cells and in the blood plasma. Explain this observation in terms of membrane permeability and transport mechanisms. Animal cells typically maintain a higher concentration of Na+ outside the cell and a higher concentration of K+ inside the cell via the Na+-K+ pump. The drug ouabain inhibits the activity of the Na+-K+ pump. A nerve cell is incubated in ouabain. Predict what will happen to the concentrations of Na+ and K+ inside and outside the nerve cell as a result.

Human Physiology: From Cells to Systems (MindTap Course List)

9th Edition

ISBN:9781285866932

Author:Lauralee Sherwood

Publisher:Lauralee Sherwood

Chapter3: The Plasma Membrane And Membrane Potential

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 2TAHL: Assume that a membrane permeable to Na+ but not to Cl- separates two solutions. The concentration of...

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